The Reverend Peter Ives will moderate the discussion “Can Ferguson Happen Here?” on Monday, January 19th. He and Bill discuss the importance of such discussions, even in progressive towns like Northampton.

“…many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

In part two of our conversation with Attorneys David Hoose and Luke Ryan, they talk more about the controversial strategy they took in their defense of Jason Vassell, and examine the role of racism in the attack and the prosecution of the case. You’ll also hear the police records of one of the attackers, which includes some incidents that sound similar to what happened to Jason that night.

Attorneys David Hoose and Luke Ryan represented Jason Vassell, who was attacked in his dorm at UMass Amherst in February 2008. They discuss in detail the events of that evening, the aftermath, and the institutional racism that led to Jason facing 40 years in prison for defending himself, while one of his assailants faced much lesser charges, and the other was never charged.

Due to the nature of the discussion, there is some disturbing language in this podcast.